NEWS 260623 about exGENT (Gentoo) 64 bit with systemd
NEW RELEASE 260626
I’ve uploaded a new version of exGENT, which replaces version 260623. In the new version I’ve replaced kernel 7.0.8-amd64-exton with kernel 7.1.1-amd64-exton – watch this screenshot.
While I was at it I’ve also arranged so that you can reach your Windows shares via PCManFM-qt – watch this screenshot.
REPLACEMENT
This version (260626) replaces version 240125 also with systemd.
NOTE 1: In exGENT Build 260626 with systemd and LXQt 2.4.0 I have managed to incorporate Refracta Snapshot, which means that you can use it to create your own Gentoo/exGENT System. I mean change everything to your liking and then create a new ISO! Read about how to do that below.
NOTE 2: exGENT Build 260626 can run on really old computers. As an example I could run it on my 19 years old laptop Acer Aspire 5102 WLMi. That is remarkable considering that the ISO file is of 4120 MB.
WHAT’S NEW in exGENT Build 260626 with Systemd and LXQt?
I have made a new extra version of exGENT with only a few necessary packages pre-installed. It replaces version 240125. The system is built from “scratch”, using Catalyst. In Gentoo, Catalyst is the official meta-tool used by the Release Engineering team to automate the building and generation of installation tarballs (known as stage files) and bootable live media (like ISO files). It is the exact same tool that Gentoo uses internally to build its official distribution releases. With Catalyst, you can customize and package a Gentoo environment exactly to your specifications. exGENT Build 260626 uses LXQt 2.4.0 as Desktop Environment and kernel 7.1.1-amd64-exton while running the system live. When running exGENT from hard drive you can switch to kernel 6.18.32-gentoo-r3-exgent (Gentoo’s original kernel with patches).
IMPORTANT NOTE: Also this version of exGENT can be remastered by you using exGENT as a template. I.e. change everything to your linking. Then fire up Refracta Snapshot from the menu. Since Refracta Snapshot is made especially for Debian it does not work “out of the box” in exGENT. You will have to “manually” run two commands in the end of the remaster process. Read about that the INFO site.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN OpenRC and systemd
The main differences between OpenRC and systemd in Gentoo come down to architecture, complexity, and how they manage your system:
Scope & Design: OpenRC is a minimalist service manager that only handles booting and services (relying on separate tools for logs or network). systemd is a complete system management suite that handles services, logging (journald), logins (logind), and more in a centralized way.
Service Configuration: OpenRC uses traditional, editable shell scripts (/etc/init.d/). systemd uses simple, declarative text unit files (.service).
Gentoo Compatibility: OpenRC is highly flexible and works out-of-the-box with minimalist setups like musl libc. systemd is tightly integrated with standard Linux features and requires selecting specific systemd Gentoo profiles.
Boot Style: OpenRC typically starts services sequentially, while systemd boots them aggressively in parallel for faster startup times.
WHAT IS exGENT? – (AI generated)
exGENT is a customized Gentoo Linux distribution developed by C A Exton that not only simplifies the installation and use of Gentoo, but also serves as a powerful platform for creating your own custom Gentoo-based systems. Running as a live distribution and installable via the Calamares installer, exGENT provides a fully functional Gentoo environment that can be remastered, modified, and rebuilt to suit specific needs. Users can add or remove software, customize configurations, and generate their own live ISOs, making it an ideal tool for learning Gentoo, developing specialized Linux distributions, or deploying tailored systems. By eliminating much of the complexity of a traditional Gentoo installation, exGENT enables users to focus on customization and system development while still benefiting from Gentoo s flexibility and performance.
Who is exGENT/Gentoo for?
Experienced Linux users or those who really want to learn Linux. (Perhaps also for people who are bored with mainstream distributions like Ubuntu).
Unique?
exGENT is unique in a way. If you take a look at Gentoo’s download site for amd64 you can see that there is no ISO with systemd. Only OpenRC. According to my experience it is much easier to create a live system with OpenRC (using Catalyst) . exGENT is of course also unique in a rather important way. It has Refracta Snapshot, which means that you can create your own exGENT/Gentoo system using exGENT as a template. So easy that a ten year old child can do it!
SCREENSHOTS
1. exGENT Build 260626 – gentoo’s Desktop – running Calamares
2. exGENT Build 260626 – root’s Desktop
3. Running Calamares in VirtualBox
4. Using the install scripts in VirtualBox
5. Manually installing Grub in VirtualBox
and
about my Android 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow and Lollipop versions for Raspberry Pi 5, Pi 4 and Pi 3/2 at raspex.exton.se – latest is RaspAnd 16 (with GAPPS), RaspAnd 15 (also with GAPPS), RaspAnd 14 (also with GAPPS), 13 and 12 (without GAPPS), RaspAnd 11 (with GAPPS) and RaspAnd Oreo 8.1 (also with GAPPS)
